had ever played unless some one who knew me
of old questioned me in this regard.

It was not until I came here that I had the desire to play at all,
and never while here has that desire framed into a resolve until now.
Were I never to see you again I will always remember you, your
kindness has awakened long buried impulses.

I have gone into this thing further than I intended; my intention was
to thank you for your kindness in coming to see me. I little thought
when you came into the P. K.'s office to have your record taken, the
first day of your self-imposed term, that I should be in your
thoughts even for a little while. I knew you were over me when I
commenced to play, but never dreamed or hoped that it would have any
more than a passing effect upon you. And when I passed you at
different times I avoided you, as I did not think there was anything
about me which would attract your interest, knowing as I do how
little consideration I deserve from anyone.

Your kindness will never be forgotten. Nothing can happen during the
remainder of my term which will afford me greater happiness. A
happiness accompanied with a deep regret for all that I have
neglected and opportunities unaccepted, but for which I thank you
from the bottom of my heart.

Very respectfully,
CHARLES F. ABBOTT (P. K.'s Clerk),
Auburn Prison, October 17, 1913.

I think most schools and colleges might be successfully challenged to show
a letter better expressed or showing a finer spirit of manliness. In fact
one finds in all these letters, and in many others not included here, a
peculiar note of clearness; it is to be found also in the talk of many of
these men, after you have succeeded in gaining their confidence; a rare
note of sincerity and strength--as if the unimportant hypocrisies of life
had been burned away in their bitter experiences.

In the month of December, 1913, immediately upon my return from a six
weeks' business trip to Europe, I visited my friends at the prison. Then I
found that my shopmate, Jack Bell, had been transferred to Clinton Prison
on account of his health. A day or two later I received the following
acknowledgment of some postcards I had sent him.

Dannemora, New York, Sunday, Dec. 14, 1913.

The Hon. Thomas Mott Osborne.

Dear friend: A line to try and explain to you the way I